Month: June 2018

Goama, a mobile gaming platform, came out on top yesterday at the Cambodian edition of Echelon TOP100 APAC, which was held at boutique office building Raintree.

The startup, which describes itself as the Netflix of games, went up against 20 other contestants, winning in the ‘judge’s choice’ category and earning the right to represent the country in the Echelon Asia Summit 2018, which will be taking place in Singapore in June.

“I am thrilled to be voted as the judge’s choice!” said Taro Araya, Goama’s CEO. “Getting the chance to pitch our business ideas to investors internationally will definitely broaden our networks overseas and help us gain financial support and recognition.”

The Echelon TOP100 programme seeks out the best early-stage tech startups in Asia and aims to enhance their network and funding opportunities. The Cambodian edition was organised with the support of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and mobile operator Smart Axiata. The event is sponsored by tech media platform e27.

Mohan Belani, e27’s CEO and co-founder, said Goama represents the immense potential that Cambodia has in the startup scene.

“Besides being part of the TOP100 APAC programme, I am sure the winners will attract interest from many investors during Echelon,” he said.

Four other startups receive awards in different categories. Spare, a service to simplify renting property, was named ‘fan favorite’ based on online votes, while BookMeBus, CamboTicket and Demine Robotics also received awards.

All of them earned access to exclusive workshops and networking events across Asia-Pacific, as well as an invitation to participate at this year’s Echelon Asia Summit.

Smart Axiata CEO Thomas Hundt said, “Smart is honored to partner with e27 on this program that builds on the many initiatives that we have carried out to develop the kingdom’s vibrant local startup ecosystem.”

“Programmes such as this, with opportunities for international exposure, will certainly provide impetus to move to the next level,” Mr Hundt said.

credits: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/483717/goama-to-represent-cambodia-in-regional-event/[/vc_column_text][stm_spacer height=”40″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A Myanmar-based subscription gaming club named Goama today announced at the Echelon Asia summit, the launch of its “Netflix of Games” app for the India market.

The TOP100 gaming startup has built a platform called Go | Games and it has begun to gain traction across Southeast Asia — boasting 700,000 subscribers in six countries.

The company, backed by SOSV MOX — has dubbed itself the ‘Netflix of Games’ and is focused on emerging markets. Goama charges a subscription fee that allows customers to play a fulls suite of mobile games, with zero upfront cost, no ads, and no gaming interruptions.

The Android app is currently available in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

The co-founder and CEO, Taro Araya has signed global contracts with mobile giants including Axiata and Telenor Group, with another nine domestic Telco agreements under its belt. Go|Games is expected to go live in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand by the end of the year.

“Goama is already cash flow positive and have strong backing by private high net worth investors and the mobile accelerator SOSV Mox. With a return of 35 cents for every $1 invested, we see our aggressive growth plans of being live in 18 countries by the end of 2019 as a strong incentive for both our customers and investors,” stated Araya.

Co-founder and COO Wayne Kennedy explained the market.

“This year, mobile games are expected to hit US$70.3 billion (51 per cent of the total market) and its forecast that this will grow to US$106.4 billion by 2021 (59 per cent) with more than 2.3 billion gamers. We have a significant market opportunity to disrupt the industry,” he said.

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Today the Company is showcasing as one of the TOP 100 at Echelon Asia Summit. TOP 100 is a programme powered by e27 that empowers insights, connections, talent and funding opportunities for early-stage tech startups in Asia. Goama was selected in the ECHELON TOP 100 Cambodia winner, from startups pitching across 23 APAC cities in 2 months, spanning 7 market categories.[/vc_column_text][stm_spacer height=”40″][/vc_column][/vc_row]